Nick Saban is calling for a significant transformation in college football, particularly regarding the current structure of its calendar. The former Alabama head coach and now ESPN analyst did not hold back his criticism, asserting that the existing system is far from ideal.
While appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay ahead of Thursday's playoff matchups, Saban made a compelling argument for why a change is essential. "We need to revise the college football calendar," he stated firmly. "Tomorrow marks the start of chaos in college football with the portal opening up. Already, we have seen 120 starters from major Power Four schools express their intention to enter the portal."
This influx of players entering the transfer portal is poised to significantly alter the landscape for numerous teams as they prepare for the 2026 season. It’s not a question of if these changes will occur, but rather when they will take place.
Saban went on to highlight some potential calamities that might arise for teams still in contention. The scenarios he painted were alarming. "Imagine if Ole Miss wins and Oregon also secures a victory; then both teams will be dealing with coaching staff transitions, where coordinators try to recruit players from their old teams while simultaneously attempting to attract talent from other programs. Meanwhile, Ole Miss will have six of their coaches heading to LSU, all while preparing for an impending game. Now, is that not chaos?"
He passionately concluded, "The entire college football calendar needs an overhaul. If I had to make a New Year's resolution, that would be it!"
The pressing question then arose: how can such a change be initiated? Kirk Herbstreit posed this very challenge to Saban. "Aside from yourself, who do we consult to implement these changes? With your influential position, who can you reach out to make this happen? We often discuss the need for change, but who actually drives that change?"
Saban was candid about part of the dilemma. "In college football, there doesn’t seem to be anyone in a position of authority aside from the conference commissioners. If they can’t unite on this matter, we’re bound to face difficulties. It seems everyone is focused on their own interests."
However, Saban did propose a feasible solution, one that, while representing a substantial shift, could bring about positive change. He suggested scrapping the January transfer window entirely.
"Unless they shift the portal to May, which I’ve advocated for previously to better align with the academic calendar, we should reschedule spring practice to follow that. This way, teams can come together and train over the summer just like NFL teams do, which only assemble after the draft and free agency in May.
"If we mirrored that approach in college football, we wouldn’t face these coaching transition issues. Coaches would finish the season with their respective teams, which ultimately serves the players best. There would be no rush, and right now, there’s an urgency due to the recruiting timeline, compelling coaches to quickly secure new hires to capitalize on early signing periods and the transfer portal."
So, Saban has laid out a vision for a more cohesive and player-focused calendar in college football. But what do you think? Is this change necessary, or does the current system serve its purpose? Share your thoughts below!
